Manipal, March 17, 2026: Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, a key unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), successfully concluded the Advanced Bootcamp on Controlled Penetration Testing, the final stage of the NCIIPC-AICTE Pentathon 2026, a premier national cybersecurity competition. The bootcamp, held at MIT’s School of Computer Engineering in collaboration with MAHE’s Centre of Excellence for Cyber Security, brought together the nation’s most promising cybersecurity talent.
Pentathon 2026 is a flagship initiative jointly organised by the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The competition unfolded in multiple phases, beginning with a high-intensity online Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge, which attracted thousands of students nationwide. Through rigorous evaluation rounds, over 200 top performers advanced to the Grand Finale, where they addressed enterprise-grade cyber-attack scenarios inspired by real-world threats to critical information infrastructure.
The intensive five-day bootcamp, conducted from 16–20 February 2026, offered finalists expert-led, hands-on training in advanced cybersecurity techniques. The curriculum, designed by leading industry experts, covered essential topics including Cloud Security, Malware Analysis and Incident Response, Cryptography, and Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT). Participants also engaged in immersive cyber-range simulations, replicating enterprise-scale digital environments. These practical exercises allowed students to identify vulnerabilities, respond to cyber incidents, and enhance their real-world problem-solving skills.
Finalists praised the structured programme for its blend of expert mentorship, collaborative learning, and peer interaction. The bootcamp also fostered networking among students from diverse institutions across India, helping build a strong community of future cybersecurity professionals.
The Pentathon 2026 bootcamp exemplifies the power of collaboration between government, academia, and industry to bolster India’s cybersecurity preparedness. The closing ceremony was attended by senior NCIIPC officials, AICTE advisors, and MAHE leadership, including Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor; Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor, Technology & Science; and Dr Anil Rana, Director, MIT, Manipal. Their presence highlighted the strategic importance of multi-stakeholder efforts in securing the nation’s critical information infrastructure.
By equipping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals with advanced skills and practical experience, MIT Manipal and Pentathon 2026 continue to strengthen India’s cyber defence ecosystem and build a resilient workforce capable of tackling modern digital threats.
